Lamar State College - Orange

History

In fall of 1969 Lamar University opened its first extension center in Orange, with classes held in the old Tilley Elementary School. In 1971 the Texas Legislature passed legislation enabling Lamar University to operate a two-year educational center, thus removing the extension status and allowing students to take two full years of coursework on the Orange campus. In 1971 the building was destroyed by fire, and a spirited community-wide fundraising effort netted more than $250,000 for the purchase of the former Sabine Supply Company building, located at 410 Front Street in Orange. Since that time facilities, enrollment and course offerings have grown steadily.

The Texas Legislature authorized the creation of the Lamar University System in 1983. In 1991 the Texas Legislature provided degree-granting authority to Lamar University-Orange. Lamar University-Orange, along with sister institutions in Port Arthur and Beaumont, was merged with the Texas State University System (TSUS), effective September 1, 1995.

About

Lamar State College-Orange is a unique campus composed of re-purposed buildings. The campus includes six buildings: the Allied Health Building, former Levingston Shipbuilding offices; the Academic Center, formerly a bowling alley and supply company; the student center, former Western Auto; the Green Avenue Building, a series of commercial storefronts on Green Avenue; the Wilson Building formerly the school library and a Beall's Department Store. The only new building on campus is the Ron E. Lewis Library.

Lamar State College-Orange has helped reclaim the downtown area with its beautifully landscaped campus and its dedication to the education of all area residents. It strives to be a source of education and culture for its community.

Academic programs are offered in four divisions: Liberal Arts, Mathematics and Science, Business and Technology and Allied Health.